Help please - Sigma 70-300mm or Tamron 70-300mm

[cadman]

Hi Guys,

I could do with some opinions please.
I am about to buy my Pentax K-r DSLR and am going to by a zoom lens separately.
Does anyone have an opinion as to which one is better the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro ($199) or the Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro ($229).

Looking forward to your replies.

[KevPride]

Sigma APO DG 70-300 - note the APO as there are 2 x 70-300 Siggy lenses, would be my preference. However both Brands would most likely be a bit soft @ either ends of zoom range. If you can try them out 1st before buying.

Check out the following reviews, I think both lenses are in the under 8/10 range with about 40 reviews.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/

[Falcons]

Why not the Pentax 55-300mm? You can quite often get DA L versions on ebay very cheap about $250AUS (inc postage) - and as for bangs for bucks, this lens is awesome.

[xjjohnno]

Having has tht Sigma 70-300 and sold it due to ordinary performance and having replaced it with the Pentax DA 55-300 I'd be inclined to support Falcon's suggestion.

[Kym]

Do NOT get the Sigma non-APO version. The APO is much better.
The Pentax DA 55-300 is better than both

[cadman]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts. I might see if I can get a Pentax DA or DAL 55-300mm lens from somewhere. The main reason I was looking at the other 2 was that I could buy them for a reasonable price with an Australian warranty. But I may forgo that to get the Pentax lens as you all think that is a superior lens.

[davidbrewster]

+1 here for the Pentax. I have the DA 55-300mm which I bought from B&H and it is fantastic. I understand from other forums that the optics of the DA-L are identical – the DA-L has a plastic mount and doesn't have quick shift focusing, neither of which I would think are a deal breaker. That makes it outstanding value.